Bahrain allows foreign workers to work for other employers for up to 90 days.
Bahrain now allows foreign workers to work for another company for up to 90 days, subject to obtaining a work permit, paying taxes, and receiving LMRA permission.
Foreign workers in Bahrain can now work temporarily for another company for up to 90 days, giving firms additional flexibility in hiring abroad talent for short-term needs.
The worker must maintain a valid work permit throughout the arrangement. The application is processed by Bahrain's Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Expat Management System.
The second employer must apply via the LMRA system and pay a BHD 5 administrative fee.
If the second employer's required Bahrainisation rate is lower than the worker's current employer's rate, an extra fee may be charged. The computation is based on the Bahrainisation rates of both firms, not the exact job or activity that the foreign worker will do.
Previously, foreign workers could not be temporarily assigned to another employer under this type of arrangement.
What Does It Mean for Foreign Workers?
The reform may make short-term assignments easier for firms who require skilled labor without taking up full sponsorship.
For foreign professionals working in Bahrain, the practical benefit will be determined by their employer and the terms of the temporary agreement. The worker's current work permit must remain valid for the entire duration.
Bahrain has been moving toward more flexible labor-market laws, and this latest policy builds on that larger effort by allowing short-term access to foreign workers simpler for employers.
Travunited Take:
We regard this as a practical shift for Indian professionals in Bahrain, particularly those working on short-term assignments, project work, or temporary transfers between qualifying businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can foreign workers in Bahrain work for another employer for 90 days?
Yes. Eligible foreign workers can temporarily work for another employer for up to 90 days, subject to approval from Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
2. When did Bahrain introduce the new 90-day temporary work rule?
The decision was issued on September 22, 2026, and announced on September 28, 2026.
3. Do foreign workers need to transfer their work permits to work for another employer temporarily?
No. Eligible workers can retain their existing work permits during an approved temporary assignment, provided their permits remain valid throughout the period.
4. What are the requirements for Bahrain’s 90-day temporary work arrangement?
The arrangement requires LMRA approval, written consent from the worker, and agreement from both the existing and temporary employers.
5. How can employers apply for temporary foreign worker assignments in Bahrain?
Employers must submit the application through the LMRA’s Expat Management System (EMS) and complete the required approval process before the assignment begins.
6. Can foreign workers continue working for the second employer after 90 days?
The temporary arrangement is limited to a maximum of 90 days. Continuing beyond that period requires an arrangement permitted under Bahrain’s applicable work permit regulations.
7. Does Bahrain’s 90-day rule apply to all foreign workers?
The new provision applies to eligible foreign workers holding valid work permits, excluding domestic workers under the amended regulation. Specific conditions must be met before an assignment is approved.
8. Why has Bahrain introduced the temporary work arrangement?
The change is intended to help businesses meet short-term staffing needs by allowing them to use eligible foreign workers already employed in Bahrain, subject to regulatory safeguards.
